Edwards Takes Final Steps Toward Expected Run For President

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina is
finalizing the details of a long-expected run for president,
planning a New Year's Day gathering with friends before a series of
interviews and fund raisers later in the week, associates said
Tuesday.

Edwards is expected to announce formation of a presidential
exploratory committee on Thursday, trying to get a jump on several
of his colleagues in Congress who are also expected to join the
Democratic race in the next few weeks.

Associates expect Missouri Rep. Dick Gephardt to announce he's
running within the next week and Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman is
leaning toward a run, though he hasn't set a final timetable for
his decision. Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle is still talking
with supporters with a plan to decide by mid-January.

Edwards, 49, is entertaining close friends and supporters at his
home in Raleigh, N.C., on New Year's Day, and is scheduling a
series of interviews, including an appearance Thursday on NBC's
"Today," according to the associates, who spoke only on condition
of anonymity.

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